Christian Pulisic was singled out for a disastrous showing as the United States were thumped 4‑1 by Belgium on 23 Jun 2026, exiting the tournament in the Round of 16.
What happened?
The US‑Belgium match unfolded at MetLife Stadium with Belgium taking the lead early through Charles De Ketelaere. Malik Tillman equalised for the United States, but De Ketelaere added a second before half‑time. In the second period Hans Van Aken and Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring, leaving the US trailing 4‑1. Pulisic, hampered by a twisted ankle and knee, lasted just 59 minutes before being substituted.
Why pundits targeted Pulisic
Canadian broadcaster TSN’s former players Kevin Kilbane and Steven Caldwell went on a tirade after the loss. Caldwell, in particular, accused Pulisic of “11 giveaways in the first half, 14 in total” and called his effort “absolutely terrible.” The criticism focused on Pulisic’s inability to influence the game despite being the team’s marquee player. Even with his injury, Caldwell argued the star should have stayed on the pitch and tried to change the outcome.
How the injury affected his play
Pulisic revealed he twisted his ankle and knee in a single play early in the second half, forcing his exit. The injury limited his mobility and likely contributed to the high number of turnovers cited by Caldwell. While the US medical staff confirmed the issue, they did not disclose the severity, leaving fans to wonder if a quicker recovery could have altered the result.
What does this mean for Pulisic’s future?
The backlash puts pressure on Pulisic ahead of the next international window. With the US now out of the 2026 World Cup, the midfielder must prove he can bounce back from criticism and injury. His club, Chelsea, will monitor his rehabilitation closely, as any lingering problem could affect his Premier League contributions. Moreover, the US Soccer Federation may reconsider squad selection if the star’s form does not improve before the 2028 CONCACAF Nations League.
How the US team responded
After the match, US coach Gregg Berhalter defended his squad, noting the overall team fatigue and the strength of the Belgian side. He praised Tillman’s equaliser but admitted the US lacked the depth to compete with top European nations at this stage. The coach also hinted at a possible tactical overhaul, which could see Pulisic playing a different role to reduce injury risk.
Fan reaction and social buzz
The clip of Caldwell’s rant went viral, generating thousands of comments across Twitter and TikTok. Some fans rallied behind Pulisic, citing his past contributions, while others echoed the pundits’ frustration. The debate highlights the thin line US fans walk between supporting their star and demanding accountability.
What’s next for the United States?
The US now turns its focus to rebuilding for the 2028 Olympic qualifiers and the next World Cup cycle. Pulisic’s performance will be a key storyline, as analysts watch whether he can regain his pre‑tournament form. The next USMNT fixture is scheduled for 12 Sep 2026 against Mexico in a friendly, offering Pulisic a chance to silence critics.